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10 Coastal Alabama leaders you should know: Deborah Velders

Deborah Velders.JPG

Deborah Velders, the executive director of Mobile museum of art, poses at the museumÊon Nov. 18, 2013. She is giving the whole place a facelift for the 50th anniversary and collaborating with others to make the museum campus part of an ecotourism destination. (Sharon Steinmann/ssteinmann@al.com)

On the cusp of its 50th anniversary in 2014, the Mobile Museum of Art is undergoing a facelift at the experienced hands of director Deborah Velders.

The self-professed citizen of the world was named to the position in 2012 after serving as deputy director of the Asia Society Texas Center. She has also held positions as director and chief curator for the Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington, N.C., and head of exhibitions and public programs for the Menil Collection in Houston.

Deborah Velders

"I loved Mobile right away; it is really the kindest community," said Velders, who moved to the region in September 2012.

The opening of the "Masterworks from the Beaverbook Art Gallery" earlier this month kicked off a series of special events and new programs planned to observe the museum's anniversary celebration.

For Velders, bringing the exhibit is just one step toward a future of success.

"I'm excited about helping this museum and excited to see the museum become what it's intended to be," she said. "It was built by this community, it has been cultivated by this community, so this community deserves to see it come to blossom."

__________

Favorite quote?

"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." -- Albert Einstein

If you could have a super power, what would it be and why?

Healing; because this world seems so in need of healing (environmental, psychological, political, physical, emotional).

Best book you ever read and why?

There are many "best books ever read" -- I love good literature. However, if I can only select one it would be the Bible, because it is a great work of literature, and because it contains answers, perspective and guidance for living a good life and being a good human being.